Several members of the Muskoka Multicultural Association had an opportunity to share their vision of what Muskoka ‘is’ and ‘could be’, along with the challenges they face with Summer Valentine, Planner with the District of Muskoka.
What is a Vision: A vision is a conceptual statement that sets the overall direction for the future of a community. A vision articulates the fundamental characteristics that define the area and create a sense of place. It outlines basic community values to be preserved and embodies desires for the future. The vision for Muskoka is found in the Muskoka Official Plan. The vision provides an overall framework to guide the policies in the balance of the Plan.
The current vision is: “A predominantly forested landscape that supports diverse and functioning ecosystems including lakes, wetlands, forests, barrens and open fields. Interspersed in the natural setting are small to mid-sized communities and rural and waterfront development that provide a wide range of economic opportunities and lifestyle options.”
What is an official plan: An official plan is a strategic planning document that sets the overall direction for land use and physical change in a municipality. Official plans include broad land use designations and policies to help ensure the long-term economic, social and environmental health. These policies help guide decisions affecting land use and community-building.
Why is your input important: Without your input, needs of newcomers to Canada, such as yourself, will go unnoticed and unheard. This is an excellent opportunity to ensure that the District of Muskoka knows what is important to you and the vision you have for Muskoka, as well as how they can best serve you and your family.
The result of the meeting are as follows. Please feel free to email me at info@muskokamulticulturalassociation.com with any additional comments you might have.
1. What do you like about Muskoka? What drew you here?
- Scenic beauty
- Four seasons
- Economic opportunities
- Rural lifestyle
- Environment – rocks, trees, lakes
2. What would you change about Muskoka? What are the challenges that you have faced?
- Isolation, difficult to make connections
- Lack of services/information for newcomers
- Need more year-round, full-time jobs
- More acceptance of newcomers, education
- More cultural events for local community members, not just for tourists
3. What would you change about the current vision?
- Static, does not allow for change
- Needs to address people, not just landscape
- Welcome diversity, everyone has a place
- Careful of language (e.g. “newcomer” or “immigrant”)
- Express a value system (e.g. acceptance, generosity)
- Needs to be widely publicized, implemented, and made measurable
